Pilling your cat using Fear Free practices

As a cat person, one of your responsibilities is ensuring your feline friend is healthy and happy. This includes giving them medication when necessary, but this can sometimes be a challenging task. Some cats are difficult to pill, and the experience can be stressful for both you and your cat. However, with Fear Free practices, you can make pilling your cat a more pleasant experience for everyone involved.

Fear Free is a movement that aims to make veterinary visits and procedures less stressful for pets. It focuses on the emotional well-being of animals and aims to reduce their fear, anxiety, and stress during these experiences. Fear Free practices can be applied to pilling your cat, making the process less stressful for them and less challenging for you.

Here are some Fear Free practices for pilling your cat:

Use a pill pocket or treat

One of the easiest ways to pill your cat is by using a pill pocket or a treat. These are designed to hide the pill inside, making it easier to administer. You can find pill pockets and treats at your local pet store or online. They come in different flavors and sizes, so you can choose one that your cat likes.

Practice restraint-free pilling

Cats can become stressed when restrained, making it harder to administer medication. Instead of restraining your cat, try a restraint-free pilling technique. This involves giving your cat the medication when they are in a relaxed state, such as when they are eating or sleeping. This method is less stressful for your cat and easier for you. You can view the video above that combines using a high value treat in conjunction with the pill to get our cat Steve to take his 3 pills with ease and NO stress. He never even knew he was taking pills!

Consider a pill crusher

If your cat is particularly difficult to pill, consider using a pill crusher. This is a device that crushes pills into a powder that can be mixed with food or water. This makes it easier to administer medication to your cat without them even knowing.

Work with your veterinarian

Finally, it's essential to work with your veterinarian to ensure that your cat is receiving the correct medication and dosage. They can also provide additional tips and techniques for pilling your cat. They may also be able to prescribe medication that is easier to administer. Compounding pharmacies can also make medications into flavored treats or liquids that are easier for certain cats to ingest.